Smells Like Holiday Spirit

Big brands get lit with scented candles this season.

Editors of Late Checkout

December 10, 2024

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Ah, the smell of pine, freshly baked cookies and...fried chicken?

You heard that right. According to the National Candle Association, 76% of people view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays. Candles are such big business that Kudzi Chikumbu, aka Sir Candle Man, has amassed a huge social following and authored a book, Let It Burn, that advises us to “Get lit. Stay lit. You deserve it.”

We’re now seeing brands get creative to make candle gifting a little more...flavorful. While food-scented candles are nothing new, this year everyone from Pillsbury to KFC are giving scented candle energy with brand collabs to keep the holidays smelling Poppin’ Fresh. NEST New York, the luxury home fragrance brand, even partnered with The Fifth Avenue Association to scent Fifth Avenue with its Holiday variety. And since nothing says, “Happy holidays, co-worker I drew in Secret Santa” better than a candle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites.

Get lit with these deliciously delightful scents:

^{Every product on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.}

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Boy Smells Banana Pudding Scented Candle

Bananas have had a year. Magnolia Bakery's iconic pudding takes candle form.

$48

Get it here. ‍

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Pillsbury x Goose Creek

The smell of oven-baked joy, just like mom used to make, all captured with the new Pillsbury collection of candles, featuring all your favorite Pillsbury baked treats.

$10

Buy now.